At Mayor Carvalho’s One Year Aloha Garden Celebration he reiterated the shocking fact that over 90 percent of all food consumed in Hawai‘i is imported. Considering Kaua‘i was completely sustainable 30 years ago, this sad fact reveals Kaua‘i’s dependency on
At Mayor Carvalho’s One Year Aloha Garden Celebration he reiterated the shocking fact that over 90 percent of all food consumed in Hawai‘i is imported. Considering Kaua‘i was completely sustainable 30 years ago, this sad fact reveals Kaua‘i’s dependency on imported food, a news release states.
Combining this with the recent oil spill in the Gulf coast may motivate one to consider alternative lifestyle choices. Community Supported Agriculture members profoundly impact the island of Kaua‘i and its communities by reducing the usage of oil, gas and packaging; developing a regional food supply and strong local economy; maintaining a sense of community; encouraging land stewardship; and honoring the knowledge and experience of growers and producers working with small to medium farms, the release states.
CSA offers a direct link between the farmer and the public creating a relationship that is sustainable for the farmer, members, and the environment. Farmers, not having to worry about the distribution of food, can focus on creating delicious, vibrant, nutritious produce in a sustainable manner. Members purchase a share in the farm and in turn receive a weekly box of farm fresh produce. These member dues pay for seeds, fertilizer, water, labor, equipment maintenance, etc.
Grocers have to pass on their shipping costs to the consumers, CSAs have no shipping costs. CSA members save money while reducing the overall carbon footprint. In addition, no packaging goes into land fills and food travels less miles. This is not only better for the environment, it’s better for the consumer. Produce is harvested the day members get their share at it’s peak freshness providing maximum nutrition. This is beyond organic, the release says. Finally, supporting local farmers and local businesses create much needed jobs for the island.
At Kaua‘i Farmers Co-op members commit to seasonal shares and receive regular items including lettuces (several varieties), cooking greens (including a variety of cabbages, chards and kale), specialty greens (arugula for example), roots (carrots, beets, onions, turnips and radish), and culinary herbs (such as dill, cilantro, Thai basil, Italian basil, sage, garlic chives and lemongrass). For the summer season, members can expect bell peppers, eggplant, tomatillos, cherry tomatoes, parsley, corn, several bean varieties (some heirlooms), broccoli, celery, cucumbers, and sweet potatoes in addition to the regular items.
Kaua‘i Farmers Co-op is a group of farmers in Kilauea proud to be providing beyond organic produce.
For more information, look for Kaua‘i Farmers Co-op on Facebook, call 828-0800 or e-mail KauaiFarmersCoop@yahoo.com.
